At least 16 dead in flooding, tornadoes as storms slash US
Dyersburg, April 6: A storm system sweeping over large areas of the US South and Midwest resulted in at least 16 weather-related deaths by early Sunday, with overnight tornado and flash flood warnings setting up more severe weather that forecasters say could cause rising waterways for days to come. Many of the impacted areas already are heavily waterlogged by days of severe storms that spawned deadly tornadoes. New tornado warnings were issued overnight in Alabama and Mississippi, along with flash flood warnings for several counties in Kentucky, Mississippi and Tennessee. Saturday included more of the torrential rain and flash flooding that has pounded the central US, rapidly swelling waterways and prompting emergencies from Texas to Ohio. The 16 reported deaths since the start of the storms included 10 in Tennessee alone. (AP)
France’s far-right supporters rally in Paris
Paris, April 6: Supporters of French far-right leader Marine Le Pen were gathering in Paris on Sunday to protest her conviction for embezzlement and a five-year ban on running for office. Le Pen, who is appealing the verdict, has vowed “not to let the presidency be stolen.” A rival leftist demonstration was assembling at Place de la République, denouncing what organizers called a “Trumpist turn” by Le Pen’s National Rally (RN) party. Despite the court ruling last Monday, polls are showing RN holding strong, even with Le Pen’s protegee Jordan Bardella as a candidate in a 2027 presidential matchup. Gabriel Attal’s centrist Renaissance party held its own event in Saint-Denis, warning of an “existential threat to the rule of law.” The ruling has reverberated beyond France, sending ripples through far-right circles across Europe and beyond after some parties, including Le Pen’s, have gained ground in recent years. (AP)
Pope makes surprise appearance at St. Peter’s Square
Vatican City, April 6: Pope Francis made a surprise entrance to St. Peter’s Square during a special Jubilee Mass for the sick and health workers on Sunday, marking his first public appearance at the Vatican since his release from the hospital two weeks ago. The pontiff waved at the crowd that stood and applauded as he was rolled unannounced to the front of the altar in the square. “Good Sunday to everyone,’ Francis said, speaking into a microphone, which he tapped to make sure it was working on a second attempt. “Thank you very much.” The pontiff’s voice sounded stronger than when he addressed well-wishers outside of Gemelli hospital on the day of his release March 23, after battling life-threatening pneumonia during a five-week hospital stay. He has just completed two weeks of at least two months of doctor-ordered rest as he continues physical, respiratory and speech therapy, as well as treatment for a lingering lung infection. (AP)